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enNew EFL format proposals scrappedProposals put forward in May under the EFL Board's Whole Game Solution will not be put into place.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/new-efl-format-proposals-scrapped
Radical plans to revamp the English Football League system have been scrapped after talks between the EFL Board and Football Association (FA) broke down.
In May the EFL Board revealed proposals to create a new division, expanding the overall number of member clubs from 92 to 100, split evenly across five leagues as part of the body's Whole Game Solution.
However, one condition of the fresh format was a need for the FA to reschedule FA Cup fixtures for midweek to free up further weekend slots for league games, which has proven an insurmountable obstacle in negotiations.
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "As a result of the FA's decision, the Board has been left with no option but to end the Whole Game Solution discussions as, in its current form, it is no longer viable.
"If the weekend slots are not available, then there is simply no way we can meet the financial conditions [to be no worse off] as outlined at the very outset.
"The stance the FA has adopted has brought the discussions to a premature end, before fully understanding what the financial outcome from the creation of a new distribution model could be.
"If the FA is willing to change its position then we are, of course, open to re-engaging in what is a hugely important debate that was designed to help shape the future of football in this country."
news_articleWed, 16 Nov 2016 10:53:58 +0000Anonymous651560 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com6 of the best Football League stars on loan from Premier League teamsMike Holden casts an eye over the lower leagues and picks out half a dozen of the most talented prospects currently on loan from the top flightMike Holdenhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/6-best-football-league-stars-loan-premier-league-teams
1. Tammy Abraham (Bristol City, on loan from Chelsea)
With 12 goals in 19 Championship appearances at the tender age of 19: it’s fair to say Tammy Abraham's destined for big things on the evidence of his introduction to the professional game this season. Standing at 6ft 2in, the Chelsea loanee's not your archetypal penalty-box predator - but that's exactly what he is. And while it’s a godsend for Lee Johnson the manager to possess a player blessed with such talent, it's proving to be a challenge for Lee Johnson the coach.
"It’s that natural instinct, you can’t teach that," he says. "I can try and make him better outside the box but when it comes to that intuition of moving towards the goal when everyone else is moving away, it’s Lineker-esque." With Bristol City sitting pretty in the top six with a third of the season gone, a trip to Wembley next May seems like a realistic target. Johnson, though, is looking beyond that for Abraham, believing that the young striker has the ability to make the full England squad for Russia 2018.
2. Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield, on loan from Manchester City)
At 26 years old, Mooy's something of a rarity in the loan market: Huddersfield aren’t getting potential, they’re getting the finished article. A fully-fledged Australia international with 20 caps and five goals to his name, the midfielder was magnificent over two seasons with A-League outfit Melbourne City, breaking a competition record with 21 assists last term.
For all of the talk surrounding David Wagner and his gegenpressing ideology, Mooy’s ability to control the tempo of matches and still pitch in with killer passes from a holding role accounts for the lion’s share of Huddersfield's improvement this year. The big question now is whether he can remain as effective throughout a 46-game season, although a return to his favoured No.10 position could provide Mooy with a new lease of life.
Mooy scores against Leeds
3. Josh Cullen (Bradford, on loan from West Ham)
Some say the art of tackling is dying out, but this Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is stacking up a wealth of evidence to the contrary. The term 'impact player' usually refers to those who weigh in with goals and assists, but Cullen's inclusion guarantees his side a foothold in any game; while he's perfectly capable of administering a crunching tackle or two, he more frequently nips in to win the ball before it arrives at the feet of its intended target.
He's tidy in possession, too, which is no mean feat considering the amount of running he gets through. Phil Parkinson first brought Cullen to Valley Parade last January and then tried to tempt him to Bolton when he switched jobs in the summer, but the 20-year-old decided to stick with what he knew and returned to Bradford at the start of the current campaign. He's been essential to the Bantams ever since his first appearance, with his temporary employers amassing 56 points from the 28 league fixtures he's started.
4. Charlie Colkett (Bristol Rovers, on loan from Chelsea)
Arguably the jewel in the crown of Chelsea’s academy, Colkett was used sparingly by Darrell Clarke in the last first months of the season, until the Bristol Rovers boss found it impossible to leave him out of his starting XI for any longer. Playing at the tip of a midfield diamond, his highlights reel this season looks as though it’s been cut from more than 442 minutes worth of footage, with his ability to pick a killer pass frequently wowing supporters at the Memorial Stadium.
The widely-shared clip of a sensational backheeled through-ball in last month's 3-3 draw at MK Dons says everything about Colkett's technique, but in-game intelligence is his greatest asset. He reads the game around him brilliantly, is able to control the tempo of his team's play and can score goals from outside the penalty area; in almost every department, Colkett's a fantastic talent.
Colkett splits the MK Dons defence in gorgeous fashion
5. Jake Clarke-Salter (Bristol Rovers, on loan from Chelsea)
Labelled the next John Terry by none other than Terry himself, Clarke-Salter's been at the heart of Chelsea’s defence for three successive FA Youth Cup triumphs, most recently as captain. It's easy to see why the Blues' senior skipper is such a big admirer: commanding in the air and brave in the tackle, the 6ft 2in centre-half also poses a significant threat at set-pieces, much like the former England international.
Loan deals are always a two-way street, though, and Chelsea have found the ideal home for the teenager in the southwest. Playing regular first-team football for Bristol Rovers in the third tier has helped to toughen Clarke-Salter up, with manager Clarke promising to send the defender and Colkett back to Stamford Bridge as men.
6. Alex Kiwomya (Crewe, on loan from Chelsea)
The professional game hasn’t been plain sailing for Kiwomya, who had frustrating loan spells at Barnsley and Fleetwood before finally finding his feet at Crewe.
"He’s an explosive player but he gets tired very quickly," manager Steve Davis said of the 20-year-old winger. "Because of the pace he runs at, that endurance isn’t there yet. We have to try and fit that into his training."
Told he would only be used as an impact substitute until he reached the required standards, Kiwomya was kept back for extra fitness session back in August. The additional work paid off; the wide man's since become essential to Alex, with his electric pace ensuring the side's pair of 30-plus strikers don't get too isolated at the top of the pitch. Excluding Checkatrade Trophy games, Crewe have scored 20 goals in 80 minutes with Kiwomya on the pitch and just four in 790 minutes when he’s not.
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featureWed, 02 Nov 2016 14:04:53 +0000Greg Lea645637 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAsk A Silly Question: Neil Warnock – tractors, a pesky otter and Graham PollThe outspoken Cardiff City gaffer fillsFourFourTwoin on his pet robin and how a dastardly otter gave him the humpNick Moorehttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ask-a-silly-question-neil-warnock
FFT: Hi Neil. You just created the Armchair Managers Association. Do you have a favourite armchair that other family members are prohibited from using?
NW: Hello, pal. I’m not actually a big fan of the armchair; I’m more of a settee man. We’ve got a really comfy one. I like to get pillows down from the bedroom to be extra comfy. If it’s TV, I lie down. Last night I watched Victoria. I love a period drama; a bit of Downton. But if there’s a match on, I will sit up. I can’t watch football lying down. I can’t concentrate.
Are you physically able to stay seated, without jumping up and calling the linesman a cheat?
No. I can’t do it. There was a decision the other day – a Liverpool goal – where the linesman was correct in giving it offside, but there’s no way in a million years he could have seen it. I started screaming, ‘You haven’t got a clue, pal!’
‘Mad Dog’ Martin Allen once told us that he loves geraniums. Is there anything surprisingly soft about you?
Oh, I’ll cry at anything, me. I was in tears when Jess Ennis came round that last bend at the Olympics. My kids will be sitting there fine, while I’m welling up. My wife says I must have been born with female genes. I’ve been accused of some things in the past, but never that. I do love a bit of gardening, too.
What’s your favourite garden activity? Potting? Mowing? Hoeing?
Mowing. I’ve got a lovely red tractor that I use – a 1962 Massey Ferguson. Alan Brazil thinks I live on a farm because of this tractor, but it’s just for the lawn. We’ve got a big pond with fish, ducks and a kingfisher. The fish population’s been decimated by an otter, though, which was annoying.
Did you go after said otter with a gun?
I do have a pellet gun, but I couldn’t kill a thing, me. We have rabbits, too, but I haven’t got the heart to shoot them. We got an electric fence to deter the otter. It’s great, our garden. I have an office out there, and at 6am, when the mist is settling, there’s a little Robin – ‘Robs’ – that comes to visit me. I have some special food. I’m trying to train it to eat off my hand, but it hasn’t yet.
What a peaceful image. Let’s change tack. What’s your favourite war?
I like World War Two. As a boy I loved The Dambusters. I cried my eyes out when the black labrador got killed. And The Bridge on the River Kwai was great. It was definitely an interesting time.
Talking of combat, Graham Poll once told us he’d like to do jiu-jitsu on you down a dark alleyway in Tring. He said, “I’d take my time and enjoy myself immensely.” Any response, Neil?
My friend Graham? That’s all in his imagination. I’ve always said he’s a legend in his own mind. I can’t see him catching me down that alleyway for a start. Bloody hell, I’m 67 and I’m probably still faster than he is. Graham was a top ref but I’m still bitter about that FA Cup semi-final [against Arsenal in 2003]. When he got done for giving a player three yellow cards at the 2006 World Cup, I thought, ‘He understands the pain now.’ Referees don’t feel the hurt like managers do.
Finally, you share a birthday with Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. Would you make a good cartel leader?
Oh no, I don’t think so. I don’t like drugs. I’ve never even thought about smoking anything. It wouldn’t be a job for me.
Fair enough. Thanks for chatting!
Thanks.
Neil Warnock launched the Armchair Managers Association as part of TalkTalk TV’s Sky Sports Season Pass. For more details, visit talktalk.co.uk
This feature first appeared in the November 2016 issue of FourFourTwo magazine.
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featureTue, 01 Nov 2016 20:06:48 +0000Gregor MacGregor645569 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comPremier League, FA and EFL to investigate transfer allegationsEnglish football's controlling bodies have pledged to examine newspaper claims of transfer irregularities.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/premier-league-fa-and-efl-investigate-transfer-allegations
The Premier League, the Football Association and the English Football League have promised to investigate allegations of improper transfer conduct.
British newspaper The Daily Telegraph has published claims made by three agents that eight current or recent Premier League managers have received illegal payments in relation to transfers.
The report has prompted a joint response from English football's controlling bodies, who have insisted legal action will be sought from the authorities if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered.
"English football takes the governance of the game extremely seriously with integrity being of paramount importance," the organisations said in a statement.
"Any substantive allegations will be investigated with the full force of the rules at our disposal, which are wide-ranging and well-developed.
"In addition, should we find any evidence of criminality, we would inform and seek the support of the appropriate statutory authorities."
In response to the newspaper report, the Association of Football Agents earlier on Wednesday urged FIFA and UEFA, the world and European governing bodies respectively, to implement stronger regulations relating to player representatives.
A statement read: "The AFA recognises that while recent media reports involving possible misconduct in relation to player transfers remain unproven, they do raise important questions and serve to highlight the need for greater transparency and a new regulatory framework in this area of the football industry.
"We are totally committed to helping any investigation into the various allegations and to continue to work with the relevant football authorities, led by the FA [Football Association], to further explore what steps can be taken in English football to put in place an effective system of licensing and codes of conduct for agents.
"The global move to deregulation has not worked and it has allowed the system to be more open to manipulation and abuse.
"The time has come for the key stakeholders in this country to genuinely come together to establish a new framework for the future and we would be happy to progress those discussions with immediate effect.
"Ultimately, changes to the current set-up should also be enforceable globally and this must involve UEFA and FIFA to help spread best practice around the world and reintroduce a system of licensing and regulation which works and is meaningful.
"We can make a positive start here to promote a better approach across the game."
news_articleWed, 28 Sep 2016 19:20:07 +0000Anonymous632707 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com12 managerial reigns that make Allardyce's 67 days with England look lengthyBig Sam saw his national team dreams go up in smoke before he even got chance to take charge at Wembley.Nick Harper looks back at some more oh-so-brief stintsNick Harperhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/12-managerial-reigns-make-allardyces-68-days-england-look-lengthy
1. Brian Clough, Leeds United, 1974 (44 days)
The short but infamous stint they made a film (and book) about. Brian Howard Clough arrived at Elland Road to take over from Don 'The Don' Revie, who had led Leeds to the League Championship the previous season and moved on to the England job. Clough made enemies of everyone he encountered from the outset and was sacked after taking four points from a possible 12. He went to Nottingham Forest and set about winning two European Cups. Played 7 Won 1 Drew 3 Lost 3
2. Les Reed, Charlton Athletic, 2006 (41 days)
Les Reed's 41-day stint as manager at the Valley saw him win just once and oversee a League Cup defeat to League Two Wycombe Wanderers. The man they nicknamed Les Misérables was sacked on Christmas Eve and replaced by Alan Pardew. P8 W1 D1 L6
3. Alex McLeish, Nottingham Forest, 2012/13 (40 days)
Fresh from taking Birmingham City down into the Championship, McLeish replaced Sean O'Driscoll, with the brief of taking Forest up into the Premier League. He lasted 40 days, a disagreement with the Kuwaiti owners over transfer policy leading to his departure "by mutual consent". P7 W1 D2 L4
4. Steve Coppell, Manchester City, 1996 (33 days)
In between spells in charge at Crystal Palace, Coppell took the job at Manchester City. Back then, City were synonymous with epic underachievement, but Coppell packed it in after six games, citing stress. P6 W2 D1 L3
5. Paul Hart, QPR, 2009/10 (28 days)
Only ever a stop gap appointment, yet few expected Paul Hart to be done and dusted at Loftus Road in less than a month. Bar, perhaps, the itchy-fingered owner, Flavio Briatore. Hart was another who left by "mutual consent". P5 W1 D2 L2
6. Micky Adams, Swansea City, 1997 (13 days)
Swansea City went through six managers inside 18 months in the 1990s, with Micky Adams lasting less than two weeks. He walked away after promised transfer funds failed to materialise. Astonishingly though, he wasn't the club's shortest-standing manager during that period. P3 W0 D0 L3
6. Dave Bassett, Crystal Palace, 1984 (4 days)
In the job so short a length of time, Dave 'Harry' Bassett hadn't even signed a contract at Palace before changing his mind and heading back to Wimbledon.P0 W0 D0 L0
7. Martin Ling, Cambridge United, 2009 (9 days)
Taking the job after his predecessor quit following "issues" with the chairman, Ling took over at the Conference club and lasted all of nine days. He too had irreconcilable differences with the man at the top. P0 W0 D0 L0. (Ling later returned following the departure of the club’s chairman and managed the club for 87 games)
8. Kevin Cullis, Swansea City, 1996 (8 days)
In and out at Swansea City in just over a week and two games. Cullis was either unceremoniously sacked or he resigned, depending on who you listen to. P2 W0 D0 L2
10. Leroy Rosenior, Torquay United, 2007 (10 minutes)
Appointed just as a consortium took over the club, and when the ink on the deal was dry they wanted their own man. In and out inside 600 seconds. A record unlikely to be beaten. P0 W0 D0 L0
11. Billy McKinlay, Watford (8 days)
It all happened so quickly. First he was appointed first-team to coach to Oscar Garcia, then got given the gig full-time three days later when the Spaniard stepped down for health reasons. So, having relinquished his role as assistant manager for Northern Ireland, and overseeing two unbeaten matches, he was promptly binned off for Slavisa Jokanovic.P2 W1 D1 L0
12. Marcelo Bielsa, Lazio (2 days)
On July 6, 2016, Bielsa was announced as the new manager of Serie A side Lazio. On July 8, 2016, Bielsa resigned. The Argentine was annoyed by what he saw as broken promises in the transfer market, so quit before he'd even got started. A furious Lazio tried to sue him for €50m.P0 W0 D0 L0
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featureWed, 28 Sep 2016 09:40:21 +0000James Maw241285 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comEFL rules out of possibility of incorporating Premier League B teamsPremier League B teams will not be included in changes to the English league pyramid, the EFL has confirmed.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/efl-rules-out-possibility-incorporating-premier-league-b-teams
The English Football League (EFL) has ruled out the possibility of incorporating Premier League B teams in a restructure of English football.
Premier League academy sides were invited to take part in the new EFL Trophy, formerly the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, as part of a one-season trial for the 2016-17 campaign.
It had also been suggested that a revamped league pyramid could see Premier League B sides join the EFL structure.
However, the EFL released a statement on Thursday rejecting that notion following a meeting with its 72 clubs, while also confirming clubs from "non-English leagues" will not be allowed to join, seemingly ending any future incorporation of Scottish Premiership sides Celtic and Rangers.
"The EFL and the 72 clubs it represents have collectively ruled out including Premier League B teams in future plans to reform the structure of English football," the statement read.
"Following a meeting of its clubs on Thursday (22 September), the EFL confirmed that the inclusion of Premier League B teams, clubs from non-English leagues or those outside the English football pyramid will not form part of any ongoing discussions for the ‘Whole Game Solution’."
The EFL added that clubs have been discussing a range of suggestions "which aim to improve the format of EFL competitions and the revenues received by clubs, posed a number of critical questions and these have been the subject of a consultation process with clubs during this past six weeks. "
Discussions as to where teams would come from to make up the proposed League Three, which would see the structure change to four leagues of 20 under the Premier League, have also taken place.
The EFL also confirmed their leagues will not observe a mid-season break should it be introduced by the Football League.
news_articleThu, 22 Sep 2016 15:50:13 +0000Anonymous630130 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comEFL Trophy to include reserve teams, fictional teams, thingsThe EFL Trophy will be a baffling and depressing ordeal, organisers have promised. Back of the Nethave the latestBack of the Nethttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/efl-trophy-include-reserve-teams-fictional-teams-things
The new EFL Trophy format has been unveiled and organisers have pledged that the competition will ‘revolt and bemuse’ fans in equal measure.
The tournament, which takes over from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, which took over from the LDV Vans Trophy, which took over from the Auto Windscreens Shield, which took over from the Autoglass Trophy, which took over from the Leyland DAF Cup, which took over from the Sherpa Van Trophy, which took over from the Freight Rover Trophy, which started out as the Associate Members Cup, started as a drunken dare, but is now entering its 24th year.
And despite a lukewarm response from the general public, organisers insist the new competition will be every bit as superfluous as its past incarnations –but it will now also be almost entirely indecipherable who is in it and why.
At a press event, the EFL Trophy, a shiny cup made from the crystallised tears of true football fans, was presented along with the new slogan: “It’ll be a baffling and depressing ordeal”.
“We’ve had to field a lot of questions about the EFL Trophy, such as ‘what is it?,’ ‘why?’, ‘how dare you?’, ‘what were you thinking?’, ‘how can you sleep at night you monster?’... those kind of things, so we’re answering as many of those as any human could hope to hear today,” a spokesman told FFT.
“In terms of who is in the competition, it’s basically everyone and no one. We’ll have Exeter but we’ll also have Chelsea–well, Chelsea reserves –and at least two Reading teams.
“We’ll have Coventry City’s 1987 FA Cup-winning team, we’ll have Paul Merson and a few lads he plays five-a-side with, we’ll have a team of garden gnomes who look like Bruce Grobbelaar.
“And then we’ll divide everyone into what we believe to be regional groups, although in truth none of us had a map so we just had a crack at it. I guess two teams from each will go through, but let’s be honest, nobody will be following it that far.”
Air caution
Supporters have been assured that the competition will almost certainly have no effect on them at all, but they have been warned not to venture out to their club’s stadium unless they know a league match is going on.
“We can’t stress enough that this ill-conceived charade will barely register in anyone’s consciousness, but it is probably best to be aware it is going on,” a spokesman admitted.
“As a rule of thumb if your team seems to be playing a fixture that makes no sense and tickets are going for under a tenner, stay well clear.
“We’re so very very sorry.”
Please note: This news story isn't real. But you knew that, obviously.
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featureWed, 27 Jul 2016 15:01:08 +0000Joe Brewin606290 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThe 10 best managers in the Football LeagueIts FFTs week of praising the best managers, and heres Mike Holden with the (English) Football Leagues finestMike Holdenhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/10-best-managers-football-league
1. Rafael Benitez (Newcastle United)
Not since Brian Clough has the second tier witnessed a manager of this calibre. To some, installing the Spaniard as our No.1 before his first match at this level might be a tad presumptuous, but his track record in the 2000s with Valencia and Liverpool puts him head and shoulders above the likes of Kevin Keegan, Harry Redknapp and Steve Coppell –names that would dominate any Championship managerial hall of fame.
Rafa’s stock has steadily declined since departing Anfield in 2010 but stints with Inter, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid stand him in good stead for the intensity of life at St James’ Park. The 56-year-old just wants to manage a big club in the old-fashioned way, and his willingness to accept this particular challenge shows immense belief in his own ability to create a legacy.
2. Nigel Pearson (Derby County)
Whether he intended to take a year-long sabbatical or not, it was shrewd of Pearson to hang back and let Leicester’s title charge play out before deciding on his next move. Now he returns with his stock higher than ever, as the world reflects on the incredible achievements of a team built in his image.
The recruitment might not have been Pearson’s doing but he takes most of the credit for the inner steel that so impressed Claudio Ranieri on his arrival, instilled when the Foxes romped to the Championship title in 2014. Pearson might not be the most charismatic or media-friendly manager on the block but he has swiftly laid down solid foundations and got teams into promotion contention wherever he’s been.
3. Chris Hughton (Brighton)
Brighton were helpless to prevent fate derailing their promotion push last season, a debatable red card for Dale Stephens on the final day at Middlesbrough compounded by a bizarre glut of injuries in the play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday. But it was nonetheless a reaffirming season for Hughton, a solid nine months between August and April burying the memory of a questionable period at Norwich.
Prior to that, his ability to brush aside potential crises with his impressive talent for logistics at Newcastle (with whom he won the title in 2010) and Birmingham (reaching the play-offs two years later) left few observers in any doubt that Hughton has a bright future on the managerial circuit for many years to come.
4. Gary Rowett (Birmingham)
Rowett has yet to turn his burgeoning reputation into anything tangible but there’s no disguising his ability to squeeze the most out of modest resources and it’s a measure of the respect he commands among opposition supporters that few (outside of Villa Park) might argue with this lofty position.
The former Burton boss gives arguably the most insightful post-match interviews anywhere in the country, which might sound like a strange reason for rating him so highly, but it’s no mean feat sharing such in-depth tactical analysis every week and still finding ways to outfox the next opposition as regularly as he does.
5. Mick McCarthy (Ipswich)
The 2015/16 campaign was a thoroughly miserable one for Mick McCarthy, his attempts to bring a more cavalier brand of football to Portman Road backfiring as he lost his grip on the defensive fundamentals for which his teams are usually renowned. It was a rare miscalculation which evidently had him squirming inside.
And yet a seventh-placed finish represented Ipswich’s second-best season in over a decade. In McCarthy’s last eight full seasons managing at Championship level, he has averaged 78 points, securing two titles and finishing in the play-offs a further three times. That’s the benchmark by which he should be judged; don’t expect the mistakes of last season to be repeated again.
6. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (QPR)
Burton’s second successive promotion might not have been completed by the Dutchman but Nigel Clough made no bones about the fact he inherited a team already instilled in the virtues needed to secure a place in the Championship. For him, it was a steering job rather than a test of his ability to carry out mechanical work.
Hasselbaink’s subsequent efforts at QPR might have passed under the radar but there’s a quiet revolution taking place at Loftus Road. A high-energy pressing game requires stamina, but Rangers reached the 70-minute mark without conceding in 14 out of 27 games under his guidance. Expect the clean sheets to come thick and fast on the back of a full pre-season.
7. Keith Hill (Rochdale)
Success on the pitch is often about creating the right environment off it and Hill has ripped up the rule book at Rochdale, creating a hub for young players who arguably wouldn’t stand a chance elsewhere. A forceful personality isn’t important. Talent and the desire to buy into the ethos of the club are the only significant prerequisites.
The upshot is a team that has just completed successive top-half finishes in League One on the division’s lowest budget, playing expansive football to boot. In six full seasons under Hill, Dale have recorded six of their best seven seasons in the past 42 years. There’s no silverware for such achievements, just fleeting recognition in features such as this – and lasting thanks at Spotland.
8. Alex Neil (Norwich)
They say first impressions last, and that’s certainly the case with Alex Neil. The former Hamilton boss had only been in charge of Norwich for 25 games when guiding them to promotion at Wembley two seasons ago but his impact was stunning: 17 wins, averaging 2.23 points per game with 65% of the shots in their games (a higher average than most title-winning teams).
The 35-year-old might have failed in his mission to steer the Canaries to safety in his first season at Premier League level but the next 10 months might only serve to make a mockery of his modest position here. Only time will tell if he can replicate his early standards at Carrow Road over the course of a full season.
9. Paul Tisdale (Exeter)
Success comes in many forms and, for clubs like Exeter, ambitions on the pitch sometimes have to be traded in for prosperity off it. Enter Tisdale, the master of adaptation. Nobody outside the top two divisions is shrewder when it comes to shifting strategy, whether that’s over 90 minutes or a much broader timescale.
Last season, the dapper 43-year-old swelled the coffers by taking Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to a lucrative FA Cup replay at Anfield. The season before, he fattened up the goose that was Matt Grimes, building a team around the talented youngster to net the club a transfer fee totalling almost £2m from Swansea, barely three months after a transfer embargo had been lifted. Needless to say, the Grecians are in decent shape now.
10. Roberto Di Matteo (Aston Villa)
The Championship has never before had a Champions League-winning manager. Now it suddenly has two, although the cynical view is that Di Matteo was little more than a bystander in Chelsea’s 2012 triumph. His greatest managerial talent, they say, is a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
When the Italian replaced Celtic-bound Tony Mowbray at West Brom in June 2009, he inherited a squad fully-equipped for an all-out promotion assault but Di Matteo duly delivered. The situation at Villa now is nothing of the sort. If he fashions a promotion bid out of the mess he inherits, retrospect will surely view his achievements at Stamford Bridge and The Hawthorns more kindly.
FourFourTwo's 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2016
featureMon, 25 Jul 2016 16:00:00 +0000Gary Parkinson604385 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comWhat's in a medical? How to pass one, and why some players don'tMost players glide through them but others, like Neven Subotic at Middlesbrough, can see their moves put in doubt. FFT finds out whyRob Kemphttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/whats-medical-how-pass-one-and-why-some-players-dont
Think a medical is a foregone conclusion? Think again. As we've seen again this summer, a move isn't done until a player has passed a club's rigorous check-up with flying colours.
To find out more, FourFourTwo got the lowdown from Blackburn's Head of Sports Medicine Dave Fevre, formerly ofManchester United and Great Britain Rugby League, and a member of the Football Medical Association.
SEE ALSO Top 10 mad medicals: Knackered knees, teething trouble and too much sex
“I liken it to when you go out and buy a second-hand car – you can take a risk on it being OK based on what you see, or if you’re wise you'll invest after having an inspection from experts like the AA. When you look at the amount of money paid for players it’s really in the club’s benefit to ensure to the best of your ability that what you’re getting is in good working order.
“But just as every footballer is different, so too is every football medical. The requirements of the club, the brief from the manager, the age, position, medical and injury history of the player – all of these variables will change every time.
“There’s no standard medical as such – every club has its own way of doing things. Usually a player being transferred to our club will undergo a two-day medical, although when it comes to transfer deadline day, time isn’t always a luxury you can afford. But in both cases the role of the team physiotherapist, club doctor and fitness team is to provide as much information to the manager and the club’s executives in order for them to make the final call.
Due diligence
“There are key elements that most medicals will feature. A health check to look for any cardio concerns is one of these; since Fabrice Muamba's heart attack, clubs are even more diligent about checking any heart irregularities. Players up to the age of 24 will ideallyhave annual checks to detect any heart-related issues.
“The timing of the transfer will influence things too. For the January window transfers, you’re usually looking at players who will need to hit the ground running – it’s rare that you’ll see a club sign a player with an existing injury at that time, although Arsenal did choose to do so with the loan signing of Kim Kallstrom. It’s not often that happens, but there may be relevant information involved in the deal that people outside the club are not party to.
“You’ll look to sign players who have consistently played, and it is then up to you to provide the manager with an assessment of where they are physically and what additional work may be needed to get them up to full fitness. The club will use their own fitness checks for this; everything from body fat percentages to maximum VO2 testing to gauge where the player is at and how far away they are from starting.
“Some clubs will include vision, hearing and dental checks during the medical. For example, during my time at Manchester United we worked with Professor Gail Stephenson (vision scientist at Liverpool University) in looking at many aspects of sport, exercise and vision.
“We also send players off to the dentist for check-ups to try to prevent any problems that can happen throughout the season, and the knock-on bio-mechanical effects that such issues can create.
Risk assessment
“The player’s skeletal range of movement – that'sjoints, key muscles, fitness and any possible weak spots –will be assessed. I’m especially keen on checking the pelvis as it’s such a key area for both upper and lower-body mobility, strength and injury prevention. The player’s position will influence the medical too – goalkeepers, for example, will have a check on shoulders, elbows, wrists and, of course, hands. If anything needs further investigation we’ll book a scan and get a more thorough assessment.
“It’s not just players we sign who undergo medicals, too. Our academy players will have one when they move up to the senior squad to assess their development against first-team markers. Loan signings will also have a medical, which can work in several ways for the player and the club.
“Some loan signings will make permanent moves and often cite the care shown by the club that signs them as an influencing factor. So a thorough, professional check-up of a loan player not only ensures the club is getting a fully fit player but it also can impress a player to the point where they join for good.
“Players can fail a medical for any number of reasons – sometimes we’ll look at the assessment results and think, ‘we’re not sure they can go through 40-odd games in the Championship at the moment – we don’t want to take a risk on them’.
“That’s not the end of the story, and we'll still work with the player and their representatives so we can help them. Ultimately, the needs of the club, the strength of the squad, the time the player has to get up to full fitness or overcome an injury will dictate things. So while they may not sign for one club, they could pass for another.”
The tests
Playing the passing game: the key elements of a football medical...
Test 1: Heart and health
A club medical includes cardiac screening with an ECG, echo monitor and heart health history questionnaire; these may also feature blood tests and a fitness check. The club doctor may include a urine test to detect proteins or ketones that indicate health issues such as diabetes.
Test 2: Musculoskeletal stability
The physio team's in-depth look at possible weak spots like the lower lumbar (back) and pelvic region –areas where hamstring and adductor problems can originate from. They may also check for any defects in function or muscle tightness when performing straightforward moves by using drills such as squats, hop tests and lunges.
Test 3: Isokinetic issues
Focusing on muscles and movements (like the quads and hamstrings, for example), the physios can work out the ratios between the two muscle groups as they work together and identify weaknesses which may predispose injury or have developed post-injury. Knee flexion and extension drills are among those used to check the player’s movement.
Test 4: Deep scanning
In the event of a history of problems, the medical team will have a hospital on standby for a magnetic resonance or ultrasound scan. Scanning units can be used to assess the majority of muscles and joints in the human skeleton.
Test 5: Body fat score
Clubs may use Bioelectrical Impedance technology – a body fat monitor that sends an electrical signal through the body to measure lean tissue and fat. Most professional players are expected to be around the 10% body fat mark. Fat callipers are still used in many instances for reliability, as long as the same examiner is involved in any re-testing.
Test 6: Ergometric sprint test
Does what it says on the tin – measures a player’s speed over a set distance. A result of sub-three seconds for the 20m sprint testwould be expected for outfield players in the Championship.
With thanks to the Football Medical Association (FMA) –the representative body for all medical, science and exercise personnel in professional league football, within the UK –for their assistance with this piece.
More features every day on FFT.com • More transfer news
featureWed, 20 Jul 2016 11:32:51 +0000Joe Brewin224597 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comForest appoint MontanierPhilippe Montanier has signed a two-year deal to become head coach of Nottingham Forest.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/forest-appoint-montanier
Former Rennes and Real Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier has been confirmed as the new head coach of Nottingham Forest.
The Frenchman takes the position vacated by Dougie Freedman, who was sacked in March following a poor run of results that preceded a disappointing 16th-place finish in the Championship under the caretaker management of Paul Williams.
Montanier, who played as a goalkeeper for Toulouse, Nantes and Saint-Etienne during his playing career, has signed a two-year deal at the City Ground and the club will hope he can emulate the success he had as a manager in Spain and France.
After making more than 300 appearances during his time as a player, Montanier took charge of Boulogne and steered the club to Ligue 1 for the first time in its history.
He then managed Valenciennes for two seasons before taking over from Martin Lasarte at Real Sociedad, where he achieved a fourth-place finish in La Liga and guided the club into the Champions League for the first time in a decade.
As head coach of Rennes from July 2013 to January 2016, Montanier reached the final of the Coupe de France in 2014, and he will take charge of his first competitive Forest game when the Reds take on Burton Albion on August 6.
news_articleMon, 27 Jun 2016 12:11:23 +0000Anonymous594039 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBigger fees, no more Bosmans and more English kids: What #Brexit means for footballWill Britain leaving the EU lead to big changes for football in the UK? Not necessarilyGregor MacGregorhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/bigger-fees-no-more-bosmans-and-more-english-kids-what-brexit-means-football
The country woke up to the landmark EU referendum results on Friday morning, and social media has been awash with discussion on what will now happen.
Will the new status of European players mean that they will have to apply for work permits as non-EU players do? Will there be new dynamics in play regarding the transfer market and paying of wages?
FourFourTwo spoke with sports lawyer Daniel Geey (who has already written about the impact of Brexit on football) to get a better understanding on the future of football in the UK. Here he tells us why it might take up to two years for any real change…
On the future of football in the UK and players from the EU, he explained that:
Little change immediately
It could take up to two years for major changes: when Brexit is finalised and procedures put in place for dealing with players from the European Union
Likely to be a tiered approach for workers from the EU to be able to work in the UK in future
He told us: "Anyone suggesting that the Work Permit situation with non-EU players will be the same [for EU players] is guessing. And it's unlikely, simply because if you take Switzerland or Norway as examples, regardless of whether they're inside or outside the EEA (European Economic Area), the same point applies: if those countries want tariff-free access to the free market then it's extremely likely there will be strong concessions to allow free movement for workers wanting to be in the UK. And that will manifest in elite sportsmen."
"There's likely to be a tiered approach or halfway house," said Daniel, explaining how legislation for enabling EU players to play in the Premier League might be resolved in the future compared to existing work permits.
As explained, things aren't likely to change much overnight but slowly over the next few years. To get an idea of what this might mean in real terms, we've pulled together some of the best explanations we've found online to give you an idea of what might or might not happen, and the possible knock-on consequences to the changes in the laws.
Currency affairs
FourFourTwo contributor Rory Smith gave his thoughts on wages rising for European players who make their wage calculations in Euros rather than sterling. With the pound falling against the Euro (and other currencies), they may seek to renegotiate...
Players are paid in pounds but translate that into what it's worth in Euros. Brexit is going to cost clubs a lot of money.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmithTimes) June 24, 2016
Those currency shifts could also have big effects on clubs' spending power. If the pound falls before you go on a European holiday, you get less spending power; now imagine that instead of buying a lager and an Eiffel Tower ashtray, you're trying to buy Paul Pogba. Salford University's football-friendly Professor Simon Chadwick warned that"Clubs could suddenly find players are much more expensive because the pound is worth less."
Brexit: British football clubs facing a period of uncertainty and instability - https://t.co/3DFBjkWsmv
— Prof Simon Chadwick (@Prof_Chadwick) June 24, 2016
"Our sport for several decades has been underpinned by European Union legislation," said Prof Chadwick. "We're going to have to think about new rules and new ways of doing things through a period of uncertainty and instability, and that could last anything up to 10 years."
Furthermore, Chadwick warns that one of football's chief cost-cutters could also go out of the window:"In theory the Bosman Ruling will no longer apply as we are no longer members of the European Union."
Homegrown players
If imports are going to become more expensive, homegrown products will get more enticing - an economic point notedto the Press Association's Matt Slater by the FA chairman Greg Dyke.
"If it increases the number of English players, that is to be welcomed," said Dyke, although he wasn't certain that would be the case. "It would be a shame if some of the great European players can't come here but I don't think that will happen. Whether the total number reduces will depend on the terms of the exit.”
FA boss Greg Dyke on #Brexit pic.twitter.com/vxU7ZbXlRe
— Matt Slater (@mjshrimper) June 24, 2016
Meanwhile, youth football account Youth Hawk has pointed out toone definite change: that UK clubs can no longer sign players from the EU under the age of 18, as happened previously. (Some European clubs might well welcome this...)
Re: last RTs. Chelsea + Man United have signed 16-year-olds from Europe this summer. Post-Brexit implications huge for academy recruitment.
— youthhawk (@youthhawk) June 24, 2016
A Liverpool youth academy account has pointed out that the big clubs might not be able to lure as many young talents to the league.
How #EURefResults affects our academy in terms of signings. #lfc pic.twitter.com/lwCiBcFroh
— Jake Joe (@AcademyLFC) June 24, 2016
And this was supported by ESPN's Dale Johnson…
The major effect of Brexit, if no free movement of people, will be that Prem teams cannot sign players from EU countries before they are 18.
— Dale Johnson (@dalejohnsonESPN) June 24, 2016
A fluid situation
But will there be knock-on effects for over-18 European players brought by clubs in the future? The Associated Press's Rob Harris says it will be limited… as long as the UK joins the European Economic Area, which is by no means certain.
And if the UK doesn't become part of the EEA (ie, signs up to trade with Europe on fixed terms but remaining outside the EU) then special measures are likely to be taken (as already happens with players signed from beyond the EU; negotiated by the Home Office), as explained by Daniel at the top of the page…
Or the FA could seek work permit rules easing signing of European players into English football as clubs play in European competitions
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 24, 2016
You'll notice that a lot of these quotes contain the words "if", "could" and "might". Clearly this is a very uncertain situation. The only thing we can advise is that you keep an eye on FourFourTwo every day for the next couple of years...
More great features every day
featureFri, 24 Jun 2016 17:33:21 +0000Gregor MacGregor592775 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenitez's Newcastle begin at Fulham, Burton head to ForestLife in the championship will start with a trip to Fulham for Newcastle United, while Burton Albion head to Nottingham Forest.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benitezs-newcastle-begin-fulham-burton-head-forest
Rafael Benitez's Newcastle United will kick off the 2016-17 Football League season at Fulham on Friday August 5 after the fixtures were released on Wednesday.
Relegated to the Championship last season, Newcastle will attempt an instant return to the top flight under the guidance of a man who started the previous term in charge of Real Madrid.
The club's first home game will be against Huddersfield Town the following weekend.
Fellow relegated sides Aston Villa and Norwich City begin their campaigns at Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers respectively, while Burton Albion – in their maiden second-tier season – make the short trip to Nottingham Forest.
Former Premier League clubs Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United meet in the pick of League One's opening-day fixtures.
Blackpool, also a member of the elite as recently as 2010-11, start their bid for League Two glory at home to Exeter City.
Grimsby Town, back in the Football League after a six-year absence, host Morecambe.
news_articleWed, 22 Jun 2016 08:00:06 +0000Anonymous591634 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFootball League proposes radical new five-division systemA revamped structure in English football that would create five divisions of 20 teams has been put forward by the Football League.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/football-league-proposes-radical-new-five-division-system
The Football League has proposed a radical shake-up to the structure of English football which could see a fifth division added for the 2019-20 season.
Distributed to member clubs ahead of an AGM next month, the proposal would mean the number of teams increases from 92 to 100, with 20 in each of the five leagues.
The Football League says the changes could alleviate problems of fixture congestion, reducing the number of midweek matches and potentially seeing clubs sell more tickets.
"At this point, the board of the Football League is offering no recommendation other than asking clubs to give the matter their full consideration," it said in a statement.
"The proposal stems from English football's collective concerns about the fixture calendar and enjoys the 'in principle' support of executives from the Premier League and FA.
"The Premier League is due to take a report to their clubs at their summer meeting, while the FA Executive needs to consult with its board."
A reduction in scheduling conflicts, an increased prospect for success for British clubs in Europe and the prospect of no relegation from the football league for the 2018-19 season are among the benefits extolled by the organisation.
Chief executive Shaun Harvey believes the additional sides should come from the top of the National League – the highest non-League division in the existing structure.
"The logical place for the extra clubs to come from would be promoting the next six teams [along with the two that already go up] from the National League," he told BBC Sport.
"Some of those teams are already professional and the extension to the league may suit them. There are clear benefits to everyone."
A final decision on the proposals will not need to be made until Football League clubs convene for the 2017 AGM in June.
news_articleThu, 19 May 2016 18:05:17 +0000Anonymous575563 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThe truth behind the play-offs: late charges, relegation-form winners and 20% chaosWhat determines a play-off winner: form, big-match temperament, timing your run or sheer luck? Mike Holden crunches the numbers to bring you the maths behind the climax...Mike Holdenhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/truth-behind-play-offs-late-charges-relegation-form-winners-and-20-chaos
Arguably English football's greatest innovation of the past 30 years, the Football League Play-Offs remain unrivalled for drama. Barring a tweak to the away-goals rule, the format hasn’t changed since 1990 – and why would it? The conditions are perfect for ding-dong battles and those breathtaking moments that punctuate the nerve-shredding tension. Year upon year, they deliver.
But so fine are the margins between success and failure, it’s easy to buy into the notion that there’s no rhyme or reason to who goes up and who stays down. “The play-offs are a lottery”: it’s one of football’s biggest cliches and biggest myths. Yes, chance plays a significant part. But the probabilities are never equal.
Over the past 26 seasons, there have been 78 play-off campaigns, involving 312 teams, playing 390 matches. And FFT has scrutinised the data to bring you the underlying patterns that indicate why some teams have a much better chance of promotion than others.
Consider the four participating teams as A, B, C and D (from highest league position to lowest), here’s what you need to know…
80% order, 20% chaos
(Key: Team A is in the highest play-off position, D the lowest. Green: winners, amber: runners-up, red: semi-finalists)
In the early years, a school of thought developed that teams who finished highest would invariably underperform – most probably because, while the sample size remained small, each instance of Team A failing to win promotion was highlighted as an injustice compared to the way things used to be.
In fact, the opposite is true: on the whole, Team A wins promotion roughly twice as often as everybody else. In 78 campaigns, Team A has triumphed 31 times (39.7%) compared with 17, 14 and 16 promotions for the other three teams respectively. Broadly speaking, that’s a 40-20-20-20 distribution. For every five campaigns, Team A will be promoted twice, everybody else once.
The 80/20 principle is another way of framing it, whereby we might conclude that the play-offs are 80% chaos and 20% order. If we take the 40% of Team A successes, you could argue that half of them (20%) are simply the upshot of Team A being overwhelmingly superior, while the other half (20%) are the result of chance (matching the probabilities of triumph for Teams B, C and D). Good news for Brighton, Walsall and Accrington, then.
Previous meetings count for little
Play-off results against teams beaten during the league season. Green: winners in play-off head-to-heads, red: losers
Another popular assumption is that one team has an advantage (be it psychological or tactical) over an opponent if they had the better head-to-head record during the regular season. This year, a prime example in the Championship would be the Derby-Hull semi-final: over the two league games, the Rams have won 6-0 on aggregate.
However, the stats suggest previous results have virtually no bearing. In 188 examples where one team boasted superiority on aggregate over two league games, they replicated that success only 95 times (50.5% – pretty much a coin-toss average).
When you break that data down by team, a more revealing picture begins to emerge. Similarly to the 80/20 principle above, Team A replicates head-to-head success more than 70% of the time, whereas for everyone else that figure is consistently around 40% – in other words, they're actually more likely to lose than to win. So while Team A might be expected to repeat their triumph over the opponents they bested during the regular season, for Teams B, C and D a positive head-to-head might be considered a bad omen. Not so fast, Derby fans.
NEXT: How important are form and big-match pedigree– and how late interlopers do well in the finalDisastrous form is no disaster
Another statement made so often that it has passed into accepted wisdom is that it's always the team in the best form that wins the play-offs. The figures show that it's simply not true– and there have been examples of the opposite being the case.
There’s no doubt psychology plays a significant role at the end of a gruelling 46-game season, but too much is made of ‘momentum’ – a concept that’s almost impossible to capture by any form of objective measurement. There is a pattern of success in accordance with late flourishes, but the difference is so slight as to be rendered almost meaningless.
How form over last 10 games affects play-off success. Green: winners, amber: runners-up, red: semi-finalists
Intriguingly, though, there’s a small sample where teams have effectively gone into the play-offs in relegation form – taking fewer than 10 points from the final 10 matches – and they’ve performed no worse than chance. Of the 12 such instances, three teams have been promoted (Blackburn 1992, Grimsby 1998, Crystal Palace 2014) and three have finished runners-up.
The obvious explanation here is that expectations become so low as the regular season draws to a close, the pressure on the players is almost non-existent. The prize on offer is no less attractive, yet the ‘no-hopers’ are able to approach their games with freedom.
Not that this has much bearing on this season's hopefuls, none of whom have exactly stumbled into the play-offs: Plymouth are in the worst form with 16 points from the last 30, Brighton and Accrington in fine fettle with 24.
Big-match pedigree matters
How form against promotion rivals affects play-off success. Green: winners, amber: runners-up, red: semi-finalists
A team’s chances of a Wembley promotion are sometimes dismissed on the grounds of inconsistency, where silly results against weaker opposition deem them unreliable. But this isn’t a trait to be overly concerned about here because such teams, by definition, tend to have stronger records against the bigger teams – and that's what really matters in the play-offs.
When measuring teams by their results against the three other play-off contenders and those already promoted via the automatic places, the data shows that there’s a threshold of around 1.7 points per game where the probability of promotion shoots up from 25% to 33% and continues to rise.
On average, three teams will fall into this category every two years and, if we assume that inconsistency results from a lack of intensity or concentration in mundane fixtures, it stands to reason that these teams should invariably make their class advantage tell with focus sharpened in the knockout format.
This season, there are two contenders who have excelled against rivals: Barnsley have averaged 1.9ppg and Pompey 1.75, with Sheffield Wednesday (0.7) and Wimbledon (0.83) doing the worst –during the regular-season six-pointers.
Late interlopers rule (in the end)
How time in the play-off zone affects play-off success. Green: winners, amber: runners-up, red: semi-finalists
Finally, beware of the free spirit. Late interlopers who gatecrash the Play-Offs in the final few weeks of the season appear to have a psychological advantage over those who have wrestled with the pressure of a promotion race for most of the campaign. But curiously, it’s a phenomenon that doesn’t rear its head until the final.
In 52 instances where a team has occupied a play-off berth for fewer than 12 rounds after Christmas, only 23 have actually reached the final (44%). But out of those 23, a staggering 15 (65%) have clinched promotion at the Millennium Stadium or Wembley.
The best explanation, perhaps, is that the positive psychology stemming from this unexpected opportunity counts for little over two legs against superior opposition. But put those teams on the big stage in a one-off showpiece over 90 minutes, and the idea that destiny is somehow pre-ordained in their favour becomes much more relevant. Good news for gatecrashers Barnsley and Wimbledon.
More features every day at FourFourTwo.com
featureThu, 12 May 2016 11:16:09 +0000Gary Parkinson571120 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comTwenty-nine years of play-offs madness: The greatest moments from promotion showdownsRejoice, its that time of year when the domestic game goes gaga! Richard Edwardshonours the heroes, villains and, er, terriers from the Football Leagues grand finale...Richard Edwardshttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/twenty-nine-years-play-offs-madness-greatest-moments-promotion-showdowns
The never-ending story
Charlton vs Leeds, 1987
First/Second Division play-off final replay
“It was nearly mid-summer – we were sickof the sight of each other,” laughs Peter Shirtliff, whose goals maintained Charlton’s top-flight status and consigned Leeds to another season of misery in the second tier.
It was the third time the teams had met in a week, after cancelling each other out over two legs at Selhurst Park and Elland Road. But the replay at Birmingham’s St Andrews would be winner takes all – although for Charlton their 2-1 extra-time victory meant nothing sexier than avoiding relegation, such was the original format. “When the final whistle blew the main feeling was relief,” says Shirtliff. Not just for the players...
Shots silence Wolves
Wolves vs Aldershot, 1987
Third/Fourth Division play-off final
It should have been the play-off mis-match to end all play-off mis-matches, but unbelievably Aldershot handed out a thorough beating to bottom-tier big guns Wolves, winning both legs to secure a famous 3-0 aggregate triumph. They had beaten another Premier League club, Bolton Wanderers, in the semi-final.
I predict a riot
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough, 1988
First/Second Division play-off final
This would be the second and last time ateam from the top division would have to enter the play-offs to avoid the drop – andfor good reason. “It was the most poisonous atmosphere I’ve ever seen,” says Eric Paylor, senior football reporter at Middlesbrough’sEvening Gazette.
“The expectation at Chelsea was incredibly high that they would wallop these Second Division upstarts and retain theirplace in the First Division without too many problems.”
After a 2-1 aggregate defeat left Chelsea relegated, though, the major issue facing the Boro fans was survival of a very different kind to that which the Blues had failed to achieve. “At the final whistle the
Shed End just emptied and ran towards the Boro fans,” says Paylor. “If they had got over the fence there would have been casualties.It would have taken football back to the dark ages.”
Fortunately the North Stand defences held and 45 minutes later, at an almostempty Stamford Bridge, the Boro players emerged to celebrate in their pants – their shirts and shorts having been covered inurine thrown from the stands. Lovely.
30-second warning
Newcastle vs Sunderland, 1990
Second Division play-off semi-final, second leg
“We were concerned they’dtry to get it abandoned,” recalled Sunderland’s Gary Owers, who was wearing the dangerous colours of red and white inside the cauldron of hate that was St James’ Park on a late May evening in 1990. Sunderland had taken a 2-0 lead and were on their way to the final when ref George Courtney informed the players that he would give thema signal when 30 seconds of the derby remained, to ensure they escaped before all hell broke loose. “He [Courtney] was cool as a cucumber,” said Owers. “He said not to worry because we’d finish the game, even if it took until 2am.” In the end Courtney was first down the tunnel, followed by 11 petrified but jubilant Wearsiders.
Every loser wins
Sunderland vs Swindon, 1990
Second Division play-off final
It took just 10 days for Swindon Town’s world to implode. Ossie Ardiles – his knees presumably “all trembly” – had led the Robins to a famous 1-0 triumph over Sunderland at Wembley, but before long the pride of Wiltshire weren’t contemplating glory in the top flight but life in the Third Division after the FA relegated them twice for sanctioning illegal payments (although they were later allowed to remain in the Second Division after appealing). The club’s leading scorer, Steve White, described it as a “devastating blow”, but Sunderland didn’t care – they were upwithout even winning a game.
Wheels come off the cambridge bandwagon
Cambridge vs Leicester, 1992
Second Division play-off semi-final
“That was some side,” recalls a misty-eyed Steve Claridge of his days at Cambridge United under the unorthodox and unpopular John Beck. The U's had sprinted through the leagues under Beck and were well placed to become founder members of the Premier Leagueas the likes of Claridge, Dion Dublin andJohn Taylor propelled them to the play-offs. Leicester put paid to that dream, though, with a 6-1 aggregate hammering in the semi-finals. For Cambridge, life would never be the same again: just 13 years later the club was relegated from the Football League altogether.
Rovers give critics the bird
Blackburn vs Leicester, 1992
Second Division play-off final
Jason Wilcox was out injured for the match that took Jack Walker’s big-spending side back to the big time – but the left winger can at least claim a hand in their fortunate 1-0 win over Leicester at Wembley. “I walked out ontothe pitch in my suit and a bird messed down it,” he said.
“We had these bright yellow suits and I had this red and green stuff all over mine.I didn’t know whether it was good luck or bad luck. I guess it was good if you look at what followed for the club.” He’s notwrong. Blackburn and Wilcox never lookedback: they won 1-0and just three years later were celebratinga Premier League title. That success iswell-documented – the fate of the club’s feathered friend remains a mystery.
Den of despair
Millwall vs Derby, 1994
First Division play-off semi-final, second leg
It was a statto’s dream – interruptions totalling 33 minutes, 30 supporters ejected,20 arrests, two policemen injured and two pitch invasions. Oh, and Derby County won this second-tier (its name having changed to the First Division) semi 5-1 over two legs – hence the free-for-all in south-east London. “We feel like we’ve been through a war, not a football match,” said Derby’s Marco Gabbiadini after the club’s goalkeeper Martin Taylor was floored at the New Den. Despite the trouble Millwall chairman Reg Burr was clearly wearing his Arsene Wenger glasses, saying: “Yes I feel saddened but there was no violence that I saw. I don’t know anything about players being punched and kicked.”
“Sheer stupidity”
Stockport vs Burnley, 1994
Second Division play-off final
Stockport finished 12 points ahead of Burnley in the third tier but, crucially, the Clarets finished this ill-tempered Wembley with two more players on the pitch. “It was bizarre – sheer stupidity,” reflected County manager Danny Bergara who, after four Wembley defeats in three years, could have been forgiven for thinking his side were cursed. Michael Wallace and Chris Beaumont were given their marching orders before the hour mark and Burnley took advantage, securing their place in the then First Division with a 2-1 win.
Paying the penalty
Reading vs Bolton, 1995
First Division play-off final
For a club with no reserve team and no training ground, Reading were doing rather well after 12 minutes of their final against heavily-fancied Bolton. Having sprinted intoa 2-0 lead, promotion looked assured when Aussie Stuart Lovell stepped up to takea penalty on the half-hour. “Archie had the courage to step up, but the keeper saved it and the rest is history,” said former Royals skipper Ady Williams. “He was absolutely distraught and I have never seen anyone take something like that so personally.” Imagine how he felt, then, as Bruce Rioch’s Bolton came back and won the game in extra-time. Doubly galling for Royals was the fact that Reading had finished second in the league in the only season in living memory in which two – rather than three – sides were promoted, as the Premier League slimmed itself down from 22 to 20 teams. Gah.Big Kam vs Big Sam
Blackpool vs Bradford, 1996
Second Division play-off semi-final, second leg
For modern-day Sky subscribers Chris Kamara is a hysterical man with big hair, slick ’tache and a tendency for disbelief. Back in 1996 he was, believe it or not, a man with a big future in management.
Rumour has it that Kamara’s team talk before the second leg of Bradford’s play-off semi-final against Sam Allardyce’s Tangerines consisted of nothing more than the pinning up of a Blackpool programme that gave their fans bus times to get to Wembley for the final. It clearly worked: 2-0 down from the first leg, Bradford stormed to a 3-0 win to secure a first trip to the Twin Towers.
“We could have had five,” Kamara beamed. And Big Sam? Blackpool’s banged-up chairman Owen Oyston sacked him from his prison cell.
Mendonca magic
Sunderland vs Charlton, 1998
First Division play-off final
“I was a Sunderland fan – it’s funny the way it worked out,” said Clive Mendonca when describing a hat-trick that left guffaws in short supply on Wearside. In one of Wembley’s greatest ever games, a Mendonca-powered Charlton came back three times in a pulsating 4-4 draw before a sudden-death penalty shootout. Sunderland cracked first and, after 14 spot-kicks, Alan Curbishley’s Charlton were in the Premier League. Mendonca would score a hat-trick on the following season’s opening day, but would be forced to retire less than two years after his greatest triumph. The Black Cats’ Michael Gray was haunted by his missed kick for the rest of his career. “It was an iconic game but someone had to be the villain and it ended up being me.”
“If I’m totally honest I really didn’t want to take one. You always think the penalty shootout will be over after the first five picks but this just went on and on. When it comes to sudden death you look around and start thinking, ‘Who’s next?’ Niall Quinn took No.6, then I realised I was probably the elder statesman among the rest so I thought it was up to me. You feel confident walking up but then I changed my mind about 10 times before I took it. It wasn’t a great penalty – in fact, it was awful. I was devastated. I just stood there waiting for someone to come along and give me a hug.”
Adios, Orient
Scunthorpe vs Leyton Orient, 1999
Third Division play-off final
Scunny’s unlikely Spaniard, Alex Calvo Garcia, carved his name into Iron folklore with the winner in their bottom-tier final. He would later go on to write surely the most bizarrely titled Spanish book in history: Scunthorpe Hasta La Muerte (Scunthorpe ’Til I Die). After retiring he recalled: “The day of the match, I remember all those who went to London – about 15,000, a quarter of the population. But the best memory I have is the following day, seeing people with a big smile on their faces.” His goal put it there.
The great escape
Manchester City vs Gillingham, 1999
Second Division play-off semi-final
“The Gillingham fans were already singing ‘We are going up’ and half our fans had left,” recalls England rugby World Cup winner and Manchester City nut Will Greenwood. You could hardly blame either set of fans for assuming the die had been cast. Joe Royle’s side were 2-0 down in the last minute and staring another season in the third tier square in the face. Enter Kevin Horlock, who pulled one back, then Paul Dickov, who delivered the ultimate sucker punch four minutes into injury time. City would eventually win 3-1 on penalties. That United had won European football’s biggest prize just four days before mattered not. “I went through every emotion on that day,” says Greenwood. He wasn’t alone.
Bolton’s big break
Bolton vs Preston, 2001
First Division play-off final
David Moyes would be at Everton the following March, but his final stab at getting to the Prem with Preston was an unmitigated disaster. Bolton had lost out in the play-offs two years in a row but made no mistake this time as Allardyce’s men won 3-0 in front of Sir Tom Finney and Nat Lofthouse. “I can’t quite put what I feel into words,” said Allardyce. Neither could a fuming Moyes. The bookies responded to Bolton’s promotion by installing them as 4/7 favourites for the drop. They didn't get relegated until 2012.God’s gift to Stoke
Brentford vs Stoke, 2002
Second Division play-off final
The south dressing room at theMillennium Stadium had become the sporting equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle – whichever team went in it was guaranteed not to leave their division, or leave Wales with any silverware.
Stoke and their notoriously superstitious manager Gudjon Thordarson, though, were taking no chances. A television interview room suspected of creating negative energy was replaced with a 7ft mural featuring a phoenix, a galloping horse and a glowing sun.
“I made time for myself in the dressing room and spoke to the Almighty and we sorted out the dressing room,” said the nutty Icelander. “He said to me, ‘No problem, son.’” With that kind of help Brentford didn’t stand a chance and after easing to a 2-0 victory, Stoke were ontheir way to the First Division.
Imps’ five-year curse
Bournemouth vs Lincoln, 2003
Third Division, play-off final
Just five days before the start of the 2002/03 season Lincoln had been in administrationand were favourites for relegation out of the Football League. Now they were 90 minutes from promotion, thanks in large part to super-sub Simon Yeo, who had come off the bench to score twice in the semi-final first leg. “It’s a huge achievement for us,” said Imps boss Keith Alexander. “We should be the team of the season.”
But not only did they get thrashed 5-2 in the final, it would be the first of five successive play-off appearances for Lincoln. And to the despair of their long-suffering fans, they would succeed in none of them. Andy Townsend, of the Lincoln Supporters Trust, recalls the misery. “Five years on the bounce we got to the play-offs and not once did we get promoted. I remember the first time we got there and lost to Bournemouth in the final, but in many ways that didn’t really matter – we were just thrilled to be there.
"The year that really sticks in the throat was 2005, when we lost 2-0 to Southend. It was a caseof tired legs and them hitting us on the break. I don’t mind admitting there were a few tears shed over that one. By the time the fifth year rolled around, we were really thinking: ‘Do we need to go through all this again?’ I think by the end it was really affecting the players. It was more psychological than anything.”
Perhaps the best tactic would have beento just stop caring. When Millwall beat Swindon in the League Oneplay-off final, having been play-off victims five times, they banished their hoodoo by ignoring the big occasion and treating the game as any other – even choosing towear scruffy tracksuits.
Dowie’s day in the sun
Crystal Palace vs West Ham, 2004
First Division play-off final
“When Iain took over, promotion was a million miles away, but we kept believing,” said assistant Palace boss Kit Symons after a Wembley win over West Ham that provided the culmination of one of football’s most epic revivals. Palace were 19th when Dowie took the reins in December 2003 and now his side – courtesy of Neil Shipperley’s winner – were contemplating life among the elite of the English game. “We’re talking about teams like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea,” saidan excited Dowie. “I don’t sleep as a manager in Division One so what I’ll be like in the Premiership Ireally don’t know!”
It’s a dog’s life
Huddersfield vs Barnsley, 2006
League One play-off semi-final, second leg
Barnsley sub Chris Shuker stuck out a leg and Huddersfield mascot Terry the Terrier – punching the air in delight at an equaliser – hit the deck in this third-tier play-off semi. At that moment, Town’s hopes of getting one over on their Yorkshire rivals hit the skids, too. As stewards battled to contain the fracas caused by Shuker’s dog-handling skills, Barnsley scored twice to seal a final with Swansea. “I’ve had my family in my office in tears,” said Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson. Imagine the reactionback at Terry’s kennels.
Yann hits a bum note
Cardiff City vs Leicester, 2010
Championship play-off semi-final, second leg
Every player wants a song written about them, don’t they? Yann Kermorgant might beg to differ. After his limp Panenka penalty cost Leicester City a place in the Championship play-off final, Foxes fan David Henson chose to immortalise the Frenchman’s howler to the tune of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart. “As I watched my TV screen, I was sure that he’d have ripped it / Could not believe what I’d seen when the stupid w***er chipped it / Confidence is one thing but you took it too far / Did someone tell you you were Eric Cantona? / What else can I say? / He was totally s*** from the start.” What else can you say, indeed?
Holloway speechless
Blackpool vs Cardiff, 2010
Championship play-off final
Cardiff lost the match but they did achieve the unlikely feat of rendering Ian Holloway lost for words. Blackpool won 3-2 in one of the play-offs’ biggest fairy tales – a result that left the effervescent West Countryman strangely quiet. “I can’t put this achievement into words,” said a tearful Ollie. “I usually like a chat but all I can say is that I’m bursting with pride.”
Terriers break Cherries
Huddersfield vs Bournemouth, 2011
League One play-off semi-final, second leg
Fewer than 10,000 bothered turning up for the first leg 1-1 draw at Dean Court, but those who showed up for game No.2 were glad they did... if they were a home fan, anyway. The teams traded blows in the first half at the Galpharm Stadium, but it was Huddersfield who took a half-time lead with goals from Lee Peltier and Danny Ward cancelling out Steve Lovell's equaliser. But Lovell struck again after half-time, and that's how it stayed after 90 minutes. And so to extra-time, where an 18-year-old Danny Ings headed the Cherries into a 104th-minute lead. But before referee Neil Swarbrick could blow for the interval, Huddersfield's Antony Kay struck to level things up once more.
Once again, that's how it stayed. The penalty shootout wasn't so close, though: Huddersfield netted all four of their spot-kicks, with misses from Liam Feeney and Anton Robinson meaning Bournemouth travelled home blue. Huddersfield went on to lose 3-0 in the final to Peterborough at Old Trafford, while Bournemouth... well, they'd end up having their big moment a few years later.
Powell packs punch
Crewe Alexandra vs Cheltenham Town, 2012
League Two play-off final
Crewe had finished seventh in the League Two table, but saw off Southend 3-2 in the semi-finals and headed to Wembley in hope more than expectation against Cheltenham, who'd wiped the floor with Torquay. That hope quickly blossomed 15 minutes into the final, however, when the Railwaymen's rising midfielder Nick Powell thundered home a beauty. Crewe added a second eight minutes from time through Byron Moore. Powell joined Manchester United before he could kick a ball in League One.
Deeney drama
Watford vs Leicester, 2013
Championship play-off semi-final, second leg
With the match poised at 2-2 on aggregate and about to enter extra-time, Leicester's Anthony Knockaert won a dubious penalty. Hornets keeper Manuel Almunia pulled off a sensational double save, allowing Watford to counter. No need to guess the rest: within 20 seconds Kasper Schmeichel had flapped at the other end, before Troy Deeney fired the Hornets to Wembley (where they lost to Crystal Palace).
Belt up, Steve
Leyton Orient 2-2 Rotherham United, 2014
League One play-off final
Rotherham had one foot in the Championship as they sought back-to-back promotions, but to make it all the way they'd have to get past an impressive Leyton Orient side who'd only just missed out on automatic promotion. At half-time in this one, it looked like their dream was over after first-half goals from Moses Odubajo and Dean Cox had given Orient a commanding 2-0 lead at Wembley. What the O's hadn't counted on was Alex Revell, Rotherham's predatory poacher who'd also netted in the semis against Preston.
If the striker's first goal was important on 55 minutes, his second five minutes later was huge in more ways than one– a sumptuous half volley from 35 yards that's arguably one of Wembley's greatest ever goals. Millers' fans celebrated wildly, but none of them more so than boss Steve Evans, who almost lost his trousers running down the touchline like a chubby child running after the ice cream van. Rotherham won on penalties, while a miserable Orient followed up their misery with relegation to League Two in 2014/15.
Blades blunted in County Ground thriller
Swindon Town 5-5 Sheffield United, 2015
League One play-off semi-final second leg
It's accepted that second legs are usually more entertaining than the cagey ones that predede them– but Swindon and Sheffield United took that idea even further with a 10-goal thriller at the County Ground. The hosts led 2-1 from the first leg and were absolutely crusing to Wembley when Ben Gladwin's brace and Michael Smith put them 5-1 up on aggregate inside just 18 minutes of the second leg.
Even when Nathan Thompson's own goal and Chris Basham pulled two back for the Blades before half-time, Smith notched his second from the penalty spot with half an hour remaining. Steven Davies and Jonathan Obika swapped goals to make it 5-3 on the night, but Sheffield United hadn't given up and struck twice in the last two minutes of normal time to level things up.
With nine minutes' added time they had a chance to peg back Swindon where it really mattered too, but the Robins overcame the jitters to come out clean from the most goal-laden play-off semi-final in history.
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featureThu, 12 May 2016 10:29:22 +0000Joe Brewin385546 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com